Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow practiced fully this week for the first time since his September toe injury, but coach Zac Taylor has not committed to starting him Sunday against the New England Patriots. Burrow is listed as questionable, with the team weighing risks ahead of a quick turnaround to face the Ravens on Thanksgiving. If Burrow sits, Joe Flacco will make his sixth straight start.
Joe Burrow's potential return has been a focal point for the Bengals entering Week 12. The quarterback suffered a Grade 3 turf toe injury on September 14 during a 31-27 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars and has missed eight games since, with Cincinnati going 1-7 in his absence. His 21-day practice window opened on November 10, and he was a limited participant last week before ramping up to full participation Wednesday and Thursday this week.
Taylor praised Burrow's progress, saying, "He looks great," but emphasized caution due to Burrow's mobility being key to his game and the lack of live contact since his injury. The coach added, "You expect it to respond great when he’s out there and gets tackled, but you don’t know." A major concern is the schedule: a win Sunday would mean playing the Ravens just five days later on Thanksgiving. Taylor noted, "Two games in five days, you have to account for that."
Burrow took all first-team reps Wednesday while Flacco rested a shoulder injury, and he participated in 11-on-11 drills Thursday. The Bengals must activate Burrow from injured reserve by Saturday afternoon if he plays. Without him, Flacco has gone 1-5, though the defense has struggled. Burrow himself targeted a Thanksgiving return, responding "Very" when asked how meaningful it would be to face the Ravens.
Complicating matters, wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase is serving a one-game suspension this week, leaving Burrow without his top target if he plays. NFL doctors have weighed in, suggesting Burrow could start even if limited in the pocket, preferring him over Flacco. The decision remains pending, with Taylor planning to wait as long as possible.
The Bengals, at 3-7, face an uphill battle for the playoffs, making Burrow's health crucial.
